Movie Review: "Sanju"

Rajkumar Hirani’s ‘biopic’ of Sanjay Dutt star is here – and it works very well, even if it does not aim to paint a nuanced picture of its protagonist and ends up feeling very simplistic and one-sided. What is complex and nuanced, however, are the performances, led by what can only be described as an absolute tour de force performance from Ranbir Kapoor. The actor practically vanishes in the role, and more often than not I was unable to distinguish the actor from the character.

“Sanju” unravels more as a sequence of events than a biopic – the storytelling is done as a biographer Winnie Diaz (played by Anushka Sharma, one performance which feels out of place here) is piecing together aspects of the star’s troubled life; on a request from the actor who wants his side of the story told. The movie focuses on two major aspects of the actor’s life – the first half is focused on his early years and his battle with drug addiction and the loss of his mother; while post-interval the focus shifts on his legal troubles and being branded a terrorist.

In typical Raju Hirani fashion, there are strong emotional moments which tug at your heartstrings, as well as a lot of humour peppered in. For me, the emotional bits are far stronger – the humorous bits work for the most part (with a lot of it being absolutely hilarious), but for me a lot of it took away from the momentum of the story telling and disinvested. But the biggest takeaway for me was that the movie plays it very safe, choosing to squarely blame the media all through the second half and painting the protagonist as a misunderstood figure who is merely a victim of the media. While this may be true to a large extent, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the simplistic manner of presenting it is a disservice. Fake news is now a hot topic, and it looks like the makers are using it to their advantage and basically using is as a scapegoat to point fingers at – the song during the credits lays it in thick, though in a fun way. It takes a bit away from the movie as well – the plot threads where both the biographer and the best friend are swayed by news articles so easily without doing even basic research of their own despite being so heavily invested in the actor is silly to say the least. That being said, the Rajkumar Hirani template is almost a formula for success with its crowd-pleasing nature, and so it isn’t surprising that the director doesn’t tread a different path – if you do not think too much on these aspects you will enjoy the movie.  

The performances are definitely the highlight of this movie. The main cast is very strong – Manisha Koirala as Nargis Dutt has a striking resemblance and backs it up with a great performance. Paresh Rawal as Sunil Dutt, while not having much by way of resemblance, makes a winning turn as the ever-suffering father who refuses to give up on his son. The supporting cast is also very good (not a big fan of Sonam Kapoor and Anushka Sharma’s performances, so not much to say there). The highlights of the movie for me were the performances of Vicky Kaushal and Ranbir Kapoor – Kaushal as Sanjay Dutt’s friend who stays by him through thick and thin (through the first half atleast) has some fine performances behind him, and this is one more under his belt. Same can be said of Ranbir, and I sincerely hope his bad run improves (this one will definitely help). This is a role for the ages, and Ranbir sinks his teeth into it. With the help of great support by way of make up and costume, Ranbir not only gets the physical aspects down pat, but portrays the emotional turmoil of Sanjay Dutt across many years with such ease, the performance does not seem like an imitation even for a minute. This is definitely a performance to remember; and should be one of the best of the year.

All said and done, go ahead and watch “Sanju”. Don’t go expecting a nuanced biopic that covers a lot of aspects of its controversial subject matter – it is a regular fun Rajkumar Hirani movie, and while it may not count among his best, it is a good one elevated by arguably the best ensemble cast he’s had, led by two performances that leave a lasting impression.

Movie Review: “Deadpool 2”

The merc with a mouth is back. After the phenomenal success of “Deadpool”, it’s no surprise that “Deadpool 2” was one of the most anticipated movies this year. So, does the movie manage to live up to the colossal expectations? We-ell, yes and no. While the movie delivers more of the crazy comedy and fourth wall breaking as its predecessor, and also adds in some great action set pieces; the sheer uniqueness and audacity of the original hasn’t been recreated. It’s more of the same – which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’ll still be a juggernaut at the box office for sure (you’ll see what I did there).

“Deadpool 2” is, as the protagonist puts it, a family film. Although it sounds crazy, the movie actually does have a lot of heartfelt moments. To sum up the plot, Deadpool has to try and stop Cable, a soldier from the future, from trying to kill a young, troubled mutant. Throw in returning characters like Dopinder, Weasel, Blind Al and the budget members of the X-Men mansion; and a bunch of new characters like Domino and Peter joining the “X-Force” into the mix, and you got the ingredients for a fun outing (I know this is really skimming the top and leaving you with more questions than answers, but I don’t want to give away anything remotely close to a spoiler).

The movie is definitely fun, but if you are not up to speed on your comic book movies, or don’t enjoy the brand of adult humour that Deadpool provides, then maybe this plate of chimichangas isn’t for you. But for those of you who enjoy it, the movie provides loads and loads of laugh out loud moments, pop culture and movie references, cameos and easter eggs which would be caught by casual viewers, as well as those which would take even eagle-eyed fans repeat viewings. The action sequences continue to take advantage of the ‘R’ rating, and John Wick co-director David Leitch stages some impressive action pieces, which I felt was lacking in the first part. But there is a certain been-there-done-that feel that I couldn’t shake off. If you are expecting a completely brand-new experience and the sort of novelty that the first movie had, you are likely to be a bit disappointed.

From an acting front, there is nothing to complain about. The returning actors fit into their characters like nothing has changed – and Ryan Reynolds is pitch perfect as the motor-mouthed, quick-witted superhero. Of the new cast, Josh Brolin is very good as Cable, but it was Zazie Beetz as Domino who really impressed me. Julian Dennison as Russell Collins, the young mutant Deadpool must protect, also makes a mark.

I would definitely recommend “Deadpool 2” – there is a lot to like here, but don’t go expecting something absolutely path-breaking like the first movie. It guarantees a lot of laughs and a fun experience.

P.S.: Needless to say, but don’t forget to stay for the mid-end credits scene. It’s an absolute hoot!

P.P.S.: I was pleasantly surprised that there were no cuts, and just a few words muted when I saw the movie here. I was expecting a silent movie to be released – thank God that’s not the case.  

Movie Review: “Raazi”

“Raazi” is a spy thriller, which stays true to the genre yet defying some of its basic tropes. Unlike other spy movies which portray the characters in a larger than life fashion (a-la the James Bond franchise and many Bollywood movies); the focus here is on actual espionage, and the treatment is understated and grounded in reality – which benefits the movie immensely. Which is essential given that the movie is based on true events. That being said, “Raazi” is more focused on the emotions of it all. While most spy movies have hardened, cynical leads who should not get emotionally invested, the protagonist of “Raazi” is emotional and vulnerable, and the movie is more focused on the emotional turmoil in her journey of espionage.

“Raazi” follows Sehmat, a young Kashmiri girl who is married off into a Pakistani military family to get information and pass it on to the Indian army, during the time leading up to the India-Pakistan war of 1971. The journey of Sehmat, as she adjusts to her new family, gains their trust and falls in love with her husband; while at the same time relaying information to the Indian side at the risk of getting caught, forms the crux of the story.

“Raazi” is directed by Meghna Gulzar, who last directed “Talvar”, which was a police procedural based on the Aarushi Talwar murder case. She is able to deftly handle both the thrill elements and the emotional moments of the movie. Though I personally felt the tension could have been more heightened and there are moments where things seem to fall into place very conveniently, the movie is more about the emotions involved and the director has done justice to the script. It’s great that the script doesn’t resort to creating situations just for the sake of raising the stakes or coming up with suspenseful moments. It is also extremely commendable that the movie does not resort to jingoistic scenes or Pakistan bashing to create a sense of patriotism and takes a very mature and even responsible look at the meaning of patriotism and love for one’s country.

The movie benefits from a solid cast, led by an amazing performance from Alia Bhatt. Her recent filmography has given her ample opportunities to showcase her acting chops, and “Raazi” is definitely one of her finest performances. She seems to be choosing her roles vey well, and I’m excited to see what she does in the years ahead. Vicky Kaushal is also very good as her military officer husband – he delivers a nuanced performance showing a lot of vulnerability. I must also mention Shishir Sharma, who plays Sehmat’s father in law, and Jaideep Ahlawat as Khalid Mir, who trains Sehmat – both of them have given great performances and I hope they get the praise they deserve. It’s also good that smaller roles have good performances, including Rajit Kapur as Sehmat’s father and Amruta Khanvilkar as her sister in law.

I would definitely recommend that you catch “Raazi” – it is a finely crafted spy thriller that deserves to be seen. In a world where sensible Bollywood movies are finding more and more takers, “Raazi” makes a case to keep the trend going.

Movie Review: “Omerta”

There are certain movies where the lead actor pretty much carries the entire movie. One of them was definitely the Hansal Mehta directed Rajkumar Rao starrer “Shahid”. The director-actor duo has now added another movie to this list. “Omerta” is all about it’s leading man, and once again, Rajkumar Rao is brilliant.

“Omerta” is an attempt to delve into the mind of terrorist Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, the notorious Pakistan based terrorist, and follows a non-linear structure focusing on his ‘formative’ years where he becomes a fundamentalist, the 1994 kidnappings of foreigners in India which led to his release, and the plot to kidnap journalist Daniel Pearl, which eventually leads to his death.

Hansal Mehta is a capable director, and “Omerta” is yet another feather in his cap. Mehta is able to capture a sombre mood filled with dread and doesn’t need to resort to any frills to create the right atmosphere. The best scenes are the ones where Omar Saeed Sheikh plots his activities and befriends his targets – it is shot very well and the sinister intentions behind the disarming smile and nonchalant nature are always lurking in the background. I also have to mention the scene where Daniel Pearl is killed, which is so brutal despite the main events transpiring offscreen. Definitely not for the faint hearted. The movie is a chilling portrayal of a terrorist and his methods, and Mehta is able to fill the audience with a sense of awe and disgust at the same time. Like the protagonist (or should I say ‘antagonist’?), the movie is structured in a no-nonsense way, with quick cuts and slick editing. Also, I was surprised that the story is written by actor Mukul Dev – and it is definitely well written. 

In front of the camera, this is Rajkumar Rao’s show all the way. He is present in almost every scene in the movie, and it is probably the biggest plus of the movie. Barring his jarring accent which you can look past after a point, the performance is flawless. Rao portrays Omar Saeed Sheikh as a cold, calculated and ruthless mastermind, who is single-mindedly dedicated to his cause. He evokes no sympathy for the character obviously, but you can’t help being drawn into the performance.

“Omerta” is definitely not an easy watch, neither is it without its flaws. But it is a gripping watch if you can stomach it, and benefits from a director who is hitting the right notes and an actor who is at the top of his game. Recommended if you like the genre.

Movie Review: Avengers: Infinity War

It’s finally here – the internet memes notwithstanding, arguably the most ambitious crossover in movie history has finally come as a culmination of something that has come over eighteen movies. And “Avengers: Infinity War” really manages to carry the gravitas that a movie of this magnitude should have. Full credit to the Russo brothers, and the entire team – this is no mean feat.

Needless to say, you need to be fully caught up on the previous movies, as “Infinity War” wastes virtually none of its long runtime on recapping what happened. I would suggest watching one of the many videos available online which summarizes what has happened in the other movies. From a plot point of view, there is not much to tell without giving away too much. After teasing his arrival over ten years, Thanos is finally here – and he wants to wipe out half the universe by getting the six infinity stones. Our entire set of heroes have to overcome their differences and join to stop him from getting the stones. I’m not going to reveal anything else, but let’s just say that a lot happens and there is enough to surprise and shock everyone.

“Avengers: Infinity War” is a good showcase of what the Marvel movies have been getting right. Despite the long runtime, the plot is focused and none of the two and a half hours of running time is wasted. Despite the separate plot threads and the huge ensemble, the Russo brothers are able to bring all of them together and though certain characters invariably don’t get the screen time they deserve, everything is in service of the story and nothing feels pointless or gratuitous. Even though it can seem an overload and there is a lot to process, both in terms of plot and action, it works in a way that has become characteristic of this cinematic universe.

There are a lot of positives here. Josh Brolin’s performance as Thanos is probably the biggest one. Thanos is surprisingly a well sketched out character; and has a lot of emotional moments as well – unlike the generic villains we have seen in many of the movies. All the other actors slip back into their own roles without missing a beat. You cannot help but feel emotionally invested in the proceedings. The humour and interactions between the heroes, many of whom are meeting each other for the first time, is brilliantly written and acted and provide some of the best moments of the movie. Despite all this though, the tone is noticeably darker and has a sense of doom about it, something that is apt and plays a big part in giving Thanos the impression of being the formidable force that seems almost impossible to challenge. The visual effects, the screenplay, the amazing action sequences – all of them are top notch. The major issue here would be the runtime, and the fact that some characters seem to be short-changed, but that was expected.

So, should you watch it? Well, heck yeah! This is definitely the movie event of the year, and absolutely needs to be seen on the big screen. So, assemble your team and enjoy the ride!

Movie Review: “A Quiet Place”

“A Quiet Place” is one of those refreshingly original movies that shows that you don’t need a mammoth budget to make an effective movie. A smart and tense screenplay, a terrific cast and absolutely brilliant direction by actor-director (and co-writer) John Krasinski make for one of the standout movies of the year so far.

The plot is fairly simple – a family is trying to survive in a world that has been invaded by creatures that use sound as the means for hunting their prey. The family is able to adapt using sign language to communicate, staying really quiet and generally using their smarts to stay away from the creatures. Krasinski uses the silence as a powerful tool to evoke tension and fear, and there were many scenes where I was holding by breath and trying not to make a sound (I was very lucky to be in a screening where the members of the audience were also equally engrossed and there were no instances of phones ringing and people generally being inconsiderate). In fact, the movie was such an immersive experience for me that even after the credits rolled, and even as I am writing this review, I feel like keeping the noise to a minimum so that I don’t lose the feel of the movie. There is very limited dialogue in the movie, and it almost comes as a relief in the proceedings where everyone tries not to make a sound. It was such an effective tool, I felt the creatures in the movie were the least scary thing.

The screenplay is top-notch. It is a good thing that there is hardly any exposition, and audiences are filled in through newspaper clippings and notes on boards, as well as character experiences. The underlying themes of parenthood and protecting your family give it the emotional heft that makes you invest in the characters. The stakes are established very early, and it’s great how they show that actions have consequences, no matter what the intention or motivation.

The characters are very well written, and the actors do them complete justice. The child actors are great, and Millicent Simmonds is exceptional as the deaf daughter who is going through so much internal turmoil. Emily Blunt is fantastic and has some of the best moments, which she completely steals – she really makes you feel her character’s dread. And John Krasinski is very good as the father who will do anything to protect his family.

Krasinski’s direction is the movie’s revelation and its biggest highlight – it takes great skill to keep the audience continually engaged and on the edge of their seats, and Krasinski doesn’t rely on too many jump scares to get the frights either. The constant elevation of tension is achieved mostly in scenes where characters are waiting; and being very careful about the sounds they make. The camerawork, the lighting, the silence and the overall atmospherics are absolutely perfect and Krasinski achieves everything that is required. I hope he does more directing soon and am very excited to see what he comes up with.

To sum up, it’s a great movie with really immersive storytelling and one of those rare gems where everything comes together to give you what feels like a complete package (something that is actually very rare) – two thumbs up and a strong recommendation to watch it!

"The Shape of Water" movie review

“The Shape of Water” by Guillermo del Toro is a fantasy tale which touches upon themes like acceptance of those that are not like us, compassion winning over cruelty – themes that seem particularly relevant today. I can see why it was so loved by the critics and the awards shows. However, I found the entire experience quite underwhelming.

The movie’s protagonist is Elisa (Sally Hawkins), a mute woman who works as a cleaner in a government laboratory in Baltimore. Her friends include her closeted next-door neighbour Giles (Richard Jenkins) and her co-worker Zelda (Octavia Spencer). When the lab gets an amphibian creature which has been captured by the cruel Colonel Richard Strickland (Michael Shannon), Elisa forms a bond with the creature. How their relationship develops and the lengths that Elisa will go to in order protect the creature is the main focus of the movie.

The movie hits all the standard tropes but works best when the subtle touches come into play. The visuals are beautiful and it is great to see Guillermo del Toro’s imagination come alive. The movie is a cinematic triumph and uses the medium of cinema very well. The performances are also good throughout.

The issue I had with the movie is that for a fantasy movie, it felt very much by the numbers. Especially with Michael Shannon’s character, he is so purely evil and has no redeeming qualities – it is to Shannon’s credit that his performance is able to bring some humanity to the role. It is set in the cold war and is a period drama so it feels old and dated – unfortunately I also got the same feeling for the movie in general. The ode to the movies and the luxurious pace has a feeling of indulgence, though that is not necessarily a bad thing. The biggest problem for me was that the movie lacked freshness, which made it a bit boring for me. Granted it is a romance and fantasy, but the treatment could have been more engaging.

All in all, I felt I could have given “The Shape of Water” a pass. As I mentioned, I understand why the movie is such a darling with the critics – but as an audience it felt a lot more “meh”.